AFCI on small appliance circuits

[mjr6550]

I had rough electrical inspection today on a house I am remodeling for my daughter. I mentioned that I would be putting the small appliance circuits on AFCI breakers since I believe that is required by the 2014 NEC. The inspector said it is not required because PA uses the 2008 NEC. I knew that, but figured I would use the latest code. The inspector said this caused problems having an AFCI and a GFCI on the same circuit. Anybody aware of any issues with this?

[Marc]

I'd be surprised if appliances were not exempted from AFCI protection because a lot of appliances normally generate sparks when switches are operated. That would indeed cause problems because the prey of AFCIs is sparking.

Marc

[Nolan Kienitz]

Define "small appliance circuits" ??

Are you referring to the typically-required two circuits for the plugs at the kitchen counter-top level? They are supposed to be GFCI protected, but not required to be AFCI protected as best I understand.

[Douglas Hansen]

The UL standard for AFCIs now includes testing with GFCIs in the circuit.

In first generation AFCIs, GFCIs did cause nuisance tripping in some brands. These problems have been resolved. There are also dual function AFCI-GFCI breakers for most brands now.